Editorial Standards & Research Process
Our content is built on a transparent, reproducible workflow designed to maximize accuracy and minimize bias. This page details exactly how a guide moves from idea to publication.
Our 8-Step Process
1. Topic Selection
Driven by reader search demand, community questions, and practical relevance. Prioritized by potential impact on daily quality of life (Wellness) or relocation success (Living).
2. Research & Drafting
Primary sources only: classical texts (original language), peer-reviewed journals (PubMed, Cochrane), government gazettes, statutes, official policy documents. We do not cite blogs, news articles, or commercial sites as evidence.
3. Evidence Grading (Tier A / B / C)
Applied per claim within a guide, not just the whole article. Grades are displayed prominently at the top of the guide and next to specific recommendations.
4. Expert Review (Mandatory for health and policy topics)
- Health guides: minimum one licensed clinician (MD, L.Ac., CNS, RD) reviews for safety, accuracy, and structure/function language compliance.
- Visa / policy guides: minimum one licensed attorney or verified specialist reviews for statutory accuracy.
- Reviewers are paid a flat fee per review. They hold veto power over publication. Their name, credentials, and review date are published on the guide.
5. Fact-Checking & Copy Editing
A dedicated editor verifies every citation link, date, and legal reference. Compliance check: no disease claims, no legal advice, clear disclaimers in place.
6. Publication & Versioning
Published date and last-updated date appear on every guide. Material updates trigger a version bump and notification to active Pass holders.
7. Living Document Policy
- Wellness guides: reviewed every 6 months or upon major new research.
- Policy guides: monitored weekly; updated within 7 days of official change.
- Error correction: substantive errors corrected within 24 hours, with a correction notice appended and emailed to Pass holders.
8. Reader Feedback Loop
A “Report an Error” option appears on every guide. Community questions feed the Expert Q&A knowledge base, updated weekly.
Independence Statement
No external entity influences our editorial conclusions.
Our revenue comes exclusively from reader Pass purchases. We have no investors, no board, and no obligations to advertisers, supplement companies, or government agencies. See how we make money →
Language & Terminology Standards
- We distinguish clearly between traditional Eastern theory and modern peer-reviewed research. The two are never blended without labeling.
- Traditional concepts are described as theory (“in traditional Eastern theory, this is understood as…”), never as guaranteed outcomes.
- We use structure/function language only — no disease-treatment claims. Individual outcomes vary, and we say so.
Update & Correction Log
Significant updates and corrections are logged here:
| Date | Guide | Change | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | No entries yet — this log begins at launch. | — |